Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double glazing repairs-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll be difficult to see in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise through and your energy costs may increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal however they can be fixed with the right tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to block. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife, and place plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, window repair clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better gliding. You can purchase this at many home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it still jams, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have been ripped out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in the majority of instances.

Make use of a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can let cold air seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. These are effective, but they will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with usage.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, a sponge-like seal that can be cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and must be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can hinder sash movement completely and could pose an hazard to fire. The sash needs to be removed to open the window and the clingfilm will need to be applied every time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation, which can cause wood rot.

The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure the timber is dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights, must be removed. These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely require an instrument to break them out of the way. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window, too to ensure that they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash could slide off the track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to decay of timber, and will require replacement. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.

Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job of keeping noise pollution from entering your home, and it could be a real cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash windows will need to be replaced.

One common problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped sash cord or it could be the result of a problem with the sash's or ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.